VR-387 - Month-duration Precision Regulator with maintaining power by Rudolf Lehrl of Kufstein
While Lehrl is not a listed maker in Claterbos, he was clearly a maker of quality mechanisms. And, with a single-piece anchor, he is of the “Vienna” school of clock-making.
Precision Regulators are the epitome of mechanical timekeepers. A clock like this, with its quality Viennese mechanism, seconds-beat pendulum, Graham dead-beat escapement, and month duration, can readily be adjusted to keep time to within a second per week. Interestingly, long-duration regulators, like this one, are typically more accurate than the week-duration clocks. Firstly because they are not disturbed (as in wound) as often, but secondly, the quality of the gear work is always of a very high standard, as required for clocks that run for a month.
The mechanism has clearly been cleaned in the not too distant past. While tarnished, it is ticking away behind me as I write this description. None the less, it would benefit from a good cleaning.
Maintaining power becomes important if you are trying to achieve second per week, or second per month accuracy. It just doesn’t do to have the clock running backwards while it is being wound. For those that don’t know, maintaining power is designed to keep the clock running forward even when being wound. My experience suggests that nearly all Viennese long-duration pieces have maintaining power.
I am quite taken with the dial - silvered, but with a lovely patina once again suggesting age, but having been well cared for. And, the scripted numerals add a distinctive touch, a bit of elegance reminiscent of the art-nouveau of the turn of the century when the elite of Europe were experimenting with novel ways to express themselves.
In addition to the technical perfection of the mechanics of this clock, the case is in lovely condition with the feel of a piece that has been used and cared for - no sharp edges, just lovely hand rubbed warmth of a cherished antique. The case is beautifully finished inside and out and in excellent condition: Even the wooden strips holding in the glass are perfectly finished. The glass is all old, bubbly, wavy, and in perfect condition. And both doors have their original door locks, which work with the provided, original key.
Note too the 5-spoke pulley with the engraved cover, the lovely condition of the pendulum/rod/pulley and weight.
Read MorePrecision Regulators are the epitome of mechanical timekeepers. A clock like this, with its quality Viennese mechanism, seconds-beat pendulum, Graham dead-beat escapement, and month duration, can readily be adjusted to keep time to within a second per week. Interestingly, long-duration regulators, like this one, are typically more accurate than the week-duration clocks. Firstly because they are not disturbed (as in wound) as often, but secondly, the quality of the gear work is always of a very high standard, as required for clocks that run for a month.
The mechanism has clearly been cleaned in the not too distant past. While tarnished, it is ticking away behind me as I write this description. None the less, it would benefit from a good cleaning.
Maintaining power becomes important if you are trying to achieve second per week, or second per month accuracy. It just doesn’t do to have the clock running backwards while it is being wound. For those that don’t know, maintaining power is designed to keep the clock running forward even when being wound. My experience suggests that nearly all Viennese long-duration pieces have maintaining power.
I am quite taken with the dial - silvered, but with a lovely patina once again suggesting age, but having been well cared for. And, the scripted numerals add a distinctive touch, a bit of elegance reminiscent of the art-nouveau of the turn of the century when the elite of Europe were experimenting with novel ways to express themselves.
In addition to the technical perfection of the mechanics of this clock, the case is in lovely condition with the feel of a piece that has been used and cared for - no sharp edges, just lovely hand rubbed warmth of a cherished antique. The case is beautifully finished inside and out and in excellent condition: Even the wooden strips holding in the glass are perfectly finished. The glass is all old, bubbly, wavy, and in perfect condition. And both doors have their original door locks, which work with the provided, original key.
Note too the 5-spoke pulley with the engraved cover, the lovely condition of the pendulum/rod/pulley and weight.
